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Toronto - web review

15.08.2006 | Tennis

Tough win shows why Federer No. 1 (canada.com)

Roger Federer revealed more of his greatness by not being great.

From the start of the Rogers Cup to the end, Federer's iron grip on his game progressively loosened, to the point that in yesterday's final against fearless young Frenchman Richard Gasquet, the world's greatest player was practically moaning to himself after several easy, errant shots. For the perpetually unruffled Federer, it was the equivalent of shrieks of frustration.

Of course, he also won, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, in one hour and 47 minutes. It was the final stage of a surprisingly difficult climb.

Federer Comes From Behind (The St. Petersburg Times)

Roger Federer actually appeared fallible as he blinked into the afternoon sun. But that was on the court and not in his mind.

Richard Gasquet, an up-and-coming 20-year-old from France, revealed Federer’s rust each time he whipped a backhand passing shot by him in the first set of the final of the Rogers Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Federer, playing his first tournament since winning his fourth Wimbledon title in July, seemed unsettled enough to give others hope on hardcourts this summer.

But after losing the first set, Federer sharpened his focus and ground strokes and won, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. He came back from 0-40 to hold serve in the opening game of the second set, and from there slammed Gasquet’s opportunity shut.

I’m a fighter: Federer (7 Days, United Arab Emirates)

ROGER FEDERER is beginning to think what many people already believe - that he is becoming unstoppable. The world number one has only lost four times this year - all to Rafael Nadal. Three of those have been on clay and the other defeat was in here Dubai to the tenacious young Spaniard. The Swiss star got his revenge by nailing Nadal in the Wimbledon final.

And since then he has looked unbeatable as the American hardcourt season has swung into action. On Sunday, he survived a rare wobble, battling back from a set down to beat Richard Gasquet in the final of the Toronto Masters. And he says he now has a belief that he can turn any match around, no matter how far behind he might be.

In Toronto, gutsy Gasquet claimed the first set 6-2, but Federer turned the match on its head to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, and extend his unbeaten run on North American hardcourts to 54 matches. “I couldn’t find my rhythm and he (Gasquet) played very well,” said Federer. “I just always believe that I can turn any match around. That’s what happened. I knew that once I turned it around, once I took the lead, then it would be very difficult for my opponent. That’s what I always tell myself. Maybe it’s an illusion sometimes, but it definitely works for me.”

Federer’s win matches Sampras’ record (The Peninsula, Qatar)

World number one Roger Federer captured his seventh title of the season, rallying to beat France’s Richard Gasquet 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 yesterday in the final of the $2.45m Toronto Masters.

The Swiss superstar was pushed to three sets in his three prior matches but reached his 17th consecutive final, one shy of Ivan Lendl’s ATP record.

“I just always do believe that I can turn any match around. That’s what happened today. I know that once I turn it around, once I would take the lead, then it would be very difficult for my opponent.

Forty and just getting started (Mumbai Mirror, India)

World number one Roger Federer overcame a rocky start to beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet 2-6 6-3 6-2 in the final of the Toronto Masters on Sunday. The Swiss, playing his first tournament since beating Rafael Nadal to lift a fourth consecutive Wimbledon title, claimed his seventh title this year and the 40th of his career.

Gasquet, one of just four players to beat Federer in the last two years, looked set to pull off an upset as he swept through the opening set. The world number one, however, showed his pedigree as he hit back to take his second Toronto Masters in three years and extend his winning streak on the North American hard courts to 54 matches.

Federer rallies to win 40th crown (Hindu, India)

Roger Federer won his second Rogers Cup in three years when he overcame a rocky start to beat Richard Gasquet 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the final of the Toronto Masters on Sunday.

The Swiss, playing his first tournament since beating Rafael Nadal to lift a fourth consecutive Wimbledon title, claimed his seventh title this year and the 40th of his career.

Tennis: It’s Roger’s Cup

TORONTO: World No 1 Roger Federer captured his seventh title of the season, rallying to beat France’s Richard Gasquet 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday in the final of the US$2.45 million (RM9 million) Toronto Masters. The Swiss superstar was pushed to three sets in his three prior matches but reached his 17th consecutive final.

I agree with all these articles. He's the BEST. He seemed a little bit loosened in the first set with Gasquet but he's a true fighter and non-giver up. That's why he won and that's why i love him :).
Good luck in Cincinnati !

I agree with all these articles. He's the BEST. He seemed a little bit loosened in the first set with Gasquet but he's a true fighter and non-giver up. That's why he won and that's why i love him :).
Good luck in Cincinnati !

Yes, it's Roger's Cup alright!!!! Keep focused, choose your best plays, and keep mentally positive to when you play today Roger!! I want to see you play on Friday!! I just don't know which game you will play Friday!!!! I can't aford two tickets!!!!!!!

Roger is finally catching on that he is the greatest and most toughest player we have seen in years. He now knows his strengths and weaknesses and knows he has got what it takes to win every championship he plays! You are unstoppable Roger. Keep it up my

nice press review! the world loves you Roger and you deserve every bit of this love! you're a great confident fighter and what makes you special is that you never underestimate an opponent, that's the quality of a true champion!
go forward, and may you

I really do agree with everything they have written here it wasn't the roger we now on court but you showed everyone that you are a fighter and that it's not that easy to win, they don't give the credit you so rightly deserve they just thi